In 1804, aÂ judicialÂ system called the Napoleonic Code was implemented in France. In contrast to American law, the French believe that you are guilty until proven innocent. The burden of proof falls on the defendent. That the prosecution has no proof whatsoever regarding whether or not a person has actually done what he or she is accused of holds no water in French courts. Seems a little unfair doesn’t it? That’s because it is. Just imagine you are walking down the street and some random person accuses you of something. Even though the accusation may be absolutely unfounded in any way, shape or form, you are guilty. No if, ands or buts about it. Wouldn’t you feel as if you have been wronged in some way?

Well, if you think about it, the sports world,Â including the millions of fans around the world,Â isÂ acting in the same way towards Barry Bonds. It is assumed thatÂ at one time or anotherÂ heÂ took performance enhancing drugs. Yet,Â no one has been able to produce a shred of evidence to prove that he did, in fact, take steroids.Â Seeing as how so manyÂ of the nation’sÂ top people are working the case, you would think that theÂ FBI and whatever otherÂ government organizaitons are trying to prove Bonds is a user would have found something by now. But the truth is nothing has come to light that proves Barry Bonds gainedÂ his prolific physical prowess with performance enhancing drugs.

So, who are we to assume the worst? Yes, Bonds has put on a few pounds of muscle. But so too have thousands of people across the nation – without steroids. I go to the gym regularly and have seen countless friends and acquaintances put on 20 to 30 pounds of muscle just by working at it on a consistent basis. Not only do they refrain from using steroids, but they also have limited time do workout. Bonds, on the other hand, has one item on his agenda; bulk up to get more power. So, he can literally spend as much time as he wants trying to get bigger and more powerful. So, it is plausible to think that maybe, just maybe he could have done it without steroids. Furthermore,Â Bonds is in his 40’s. How many forty-year-olds do you know who are in the same shape as they were in their 20’s? It is natural for older guys to get thicker. But, since we are talking about Barry Bonds, the inevitable new homerun king, he must have taken steroids, right? Give me a break.

I am a Giants fan, so I may be a little biased. But still, isn’t America the home of the free? Aren’t we supposed to give people the benefit of the doubt? How does the saying go again? Oh, yeah, INNOCENT until proven guilty. This is not France, people! Here in America it is unfair to judge our citizens without cause to do so. Consequently, until someones proves that Barry Bonds took steroids,Â baseball fans needÂ to give it a rest and focus their time and effortÂ on something else for a change. Â